Donati, Baldassare

1548-1603

Italian contrapuntist of the Sixteenth Century, who was connected with the Church of St. Mark's at Venice all of his life. He was born in Venice, and was one of the most distinguished composers of madrigals and motets of his time. Of his works, several books of madrigals and a book of motets have been preserved. He was a good organist as well as a singer of some note. Was a member of the New Academy of Venice, was choirmaster of the so-called "small choir" of St. Mark's from 1562 until 1565, when it disbanded, when he became a chorister. . In 1590 he succeeded Zarlino as master there.